"A' Zhen, see them out," the staunch, middle-aged officer called for the servant before turning to his work once more.
It was as if he wasn't interested in anything but his work.
The whole scene left Qi Shou feeling conflicted as he seemed to be in a daze throughout the way back home.
However, the passers-by didn't forget to gossip about his family.
In most families, daughters weren't even registered or only the mother went for the registration.
Rarely would more than one family member go for the registration of daughters.
Yet here, the entire family had went for it.
"I heard she can't give birth anymore, so they can only have one daughter."
"What?! What a wretched woman! She should've just died then!"
"Huh! Then who would take care of the child, you?"
Hearing the sharp interjection, the passers-by felt annoyed, turning to look sharply at the speaker.
Yet their anger, words, rage directly died with one glance.
This was a cultivator!
Even if they had ten lives, they wouldn't dare offend a cultivators and hurriedly agreed in an obsequious manner.
"Yes, yes, you are right, Lord Immortal!"
"We were wrong!"
...
"Tsk. Pathetic bastards," the man spat in disgust before leaving.
No one noticed how his eyes held a rare hint of envy, gentless, tenderness, and longing as she looked at the Qi Family taking care of Qi Qingluo.
Mother Qi had repeatedly asked Qin Hanliu for any discomfort and even supported her to walk while Father Qi protectively walked next to Qi Shou, who was holding Qi Qingluo.
He kept his senses sharp, discovering the slightest rock and pebble and sweeping them away, not wanting an accident of losing one's balance to happen to Qi Shou.
If not for his stubborn nature and sneaky movements, one would be hard pressed to believe it was done by him.
However, the one observing them was a cultivator and he wouldn't miss such subtle details unless Father Qi was stronger than her.
But the rogue cultivator felt no trace or aura of cultivation on any of their family members.
So he himself was confused how Father Qi did it, but it wasn't like there were explanations for everything.
Not was the cultivator a know-it-all who would let their curiosity guide their actions.
He only took a glance and left.
Though he failed to notice how Father Qi's eyes sharpened and locked onto him just as he tuened and walked away.
Father Qi's expression turned strange as he doubted his senses.
The cultivator seemed to be a complete man, so why did her senses pick up a female?
He didn't dare believe that some simple disguise could fool him, so the only option left was... some hidden background of the cultivator.
In that instant, his mind processed it all, he subtly gave a look to Mother Qi, who understood him all too well.
Both agreed secretly on being more careful about this mysterious cultivator and the 'Memory Seals' in their son and daughter-in-law's mind.
It wasn't something they wanted to open and reveal old scars.
Their current life was not easy, and it was only so because they hid themselves well.
There were many still out for their lives, so their caution in the coming days would peak to an unprecedented extent.
Unfortunately, Qi Shou didn't notice any of this along the way as his mind had settled on the path for his daughter.
Firstly, she was just a year old.
A perfect age for her first steps, first words and getting weaned.
So... what was he supposed to do?
Helping her take her first steps and weaning was the best option in his eyes.
With the system rewards, he knew he had the most delectable and nutritious baby food for Qi Qingluo, so that was problem solved.
Well, not really.
He couldn't just take out baby cookies, dired fruits, packed juices or stuff in front of his family, could he?
And the inventory wasn't going to let gim store it all indefinitely.
There was a limited time for him to withdraw the things.
In all the five months, he had kept them well-hidden in his own room.
As the popular saying "the most common spot is the hardest to spot for stolen goods."
Though the saying didn't fit his needs exactly, it conveyed his intent directly.
Thinking it over, he left it for his future self to worry.
"Just blame it on travelling merchents," he shrugged, casually coming with a not-so-believable excuse.
Then, second came her first steps.
Now, that was something he could practice while also helping with her first words.
Motioning while speaking would make Qi Qingluo subconsciously copy him and succeed.
At least that's what he had heard about modern parenting.
...And he couldn't help but pat himself on the back for coming up with such a brilliant plan, feeling proud and smug over it.
Unfortunately, plans could never keep up with the changes as he realized everyone in his family was a little obsessed with Mingzhu.
No matter what, he couldn't find her alone in the coming hours of the day.
Even when she slept, his father or mother or wife would be nearby.
'Damn it all! How am I suppose to raise her under all their watchful eyes?!'
The only safe place was his own quarters, but Mingzhu would be long asleep by the time Qin Hanliu fell asleep.
And he couldn't just escape scrutiny from his wife if he tried such things in front of her.
That was actually not the main reason.
"How could I bare to wake her up from such a peaceful sleep? When will she ever get it once she grew up?"
So,
In frustration and irritation from his repeated failures, Qi Shou had no chocie but to sneak in treats when no one was looking, acting like he was checking her teeth, mouth, lips, face, neck, or head.
It was really hard work.
"Mingzhu, don't you dare disappoint me when you grow up, hmm? Got it?"
The clueless girl just smiled and flailed her short limbs around, melting away all the hardships Qi Shou bore for her.
Before anyone could berate him, or compliment Mingzhu for her endearing cuteness, they all were stunned by a small voice.
"Ba~Ba~"